laweence



I (No Model.)

, W. E. LAWRENCE.

-' STE]? covER.

No 256.336. Patented Apr.11,1882.

UNIT D STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM E. LAVVBENGE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

STEP-COVER.

SLPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 256,336, dated April 11, 1882.

Application filed November 2, 1881. (No DlOdtl.)

the parts being easily detachable and capable of being reduced to a compact form for storage. The treads of the different step-covers are constructed to afford a good reliable footing under all conditions and in all weathers.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of a stoop provided with my improy'ed covering. Fig. 2 is an edge view of the co"- ering detached from the steps. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a section of the covering.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all the figures.

My improved step-covering consists of sections 0, each comprising a platform or tread,

-D, and means for connecting thetreads toeach other. As shown, the connections consist of r -shaped metal straps B B, which fit closely to the steps, one end of each strap passing up in front of the riser above the step on which the platform or tread rests, to make connection with the| section on the step above, and the other end passing downin front of the riser below for connection with the next lower section, the horizontal portion of the strap supporting the tread D.

The platforms or treads consist of metal strips d, each strip having both edges turned up to form a Ushaped slat, and these slats may be secured to the straps B by rivets or in an y other suitable manner, the flanges affording a secure rest upon which the foot is not likely to slip.

In case of bad weather the water flows freely from the covering between the flanges,leaving the foothold dry. 1

Each strap B is provided at one end with a slot, E, for the reception of a stud, F, on the adjacent end of the next strap, the slots being wide at the upper ends to admit the heads of the studs, and narrow below, so that after, the heads are introduced the parts will be firmly connected together,while capable of vertical relative adjustment, so that the cover can 5 5 be applied to steps of different heights.

The lower extremity of the covering may be secured to the riser of the bottom step in any suitable. manner-as, for instance, by staples b, passing over the ends of the straps B, or each strap may be secured to the step by a bolt or screw. The upper section may also be fastened in a similar way to the top step.

It will be apparent that the platforms made of flanged metal strips are light, rigid, afford a secure hold for the feet, and are serviceable as scrapers. These strips may be connected to a back board or in any other suitable way.

I am aware that step-covers have been jointed, so as to be folded and packed closely together, and I do not claim broadly a removable cover'capable of compact stowage.

The connections may be made on the horizontal portions of the sections, or on both horizontal and vertical portions, to permit horizontal and vertical adjustment.

Without limiting myself therefore to the exact construction shown, I claim- 1. A step-covering consisting of treads D and connecting devices, constructed substantially as described, for detachably uniting the treads, as specified.

2. The combination, with the platform D of a step-cover, of straps extending upward from one edge and downward from the other, and devices whereby said straps may be detachably connected to those of the adjacent platforms, substantially as set forth.

3. A step-covering composed of platforms D and straps B B, riveted or bolted to the platform, forming sections 0, which sections are provided with devices for attaching them detachab] y together, substantially as set forth.

4. The combination,in astep-eoverin g, of the platform D, metal straps B B, bent to theshape shown, and provided with slots E, and studs F, substantially as set forth.

5. A step-cover tread consisting of a series of metal slats, each having edge flanges and connected substantially as set forth.

6. The within-describedcovering or tread, consisting of strips of metal, having upright side flanges arrangedside by side, and connected together, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two sub scribing witnesses.

-- WM. E. LAWRENCE.

Witnesses: WM. 0. LAWRENCE, F. D. BAKER. 

